Asthma treatments

Homeopathy: Many people have had encouraging results from homeopathic remedies designed to boost their immune system. On the other hand, the results of a randomised controlled study published in the BMJ two years ago showed homeopathy to be ineffective at preventing or reducing the symptoms of asthma. However, the doctor leading the study pointed out that randomised trials are not accurate in determining effectiveness since the practice of homeopathy is based on individualising remedies.

Naturopathy: Takes a holistic look at what may be provoking asthma in the body - could it be dust mites in the home, or use of air fresheners, or even your diet? Naturopaths say dairy products generate too much mucus, which won't help breathing. They also say substances such as wheat or dairy products can result in "leaky gut syndrome", where particles of food pass through the gut wall into the body, which is thought to exacerbate asthma.

Buteyko breathing: This technique, developed by Russian physiologist Konstantin Buteyko in the 1950s, works on the principle that breathing deeply is not good for the body, as the air we breathe contains more oxygen than the body needs, but not enough carbon dioxide. Buteyko techniques involve taking tiny, shallow breaths, always through the nose, to help normalise these gases. Many asthma sufferers find it enables them to control their condition.